Michael "Mike" Murray

A Celebration of Life for Michael Alexandra “Mike” Murray will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the service time. Burial interment will be at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery after a short detour for Mike to “check his cows” one last time.

Mike was born on October 12, 1946, to Johnnie Alexandra Murray and Kitty Oglesby Murray in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, and entered into rest on July 26, 2024. After graduating from Pleasant Hill High School in 1964, Mike attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. After graduation, he was drafted into the US Army, where he proudly served his country by completing a 13-month tour in Vietnam. In 1974, he married the love of his life, Julia Barna, and remained a devoted husband for over 50 years. Mike raised two sons, Michael and Matthew, and had four grandchildren whom he deeply cherished.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Kitty and Johnnie Murray, and his nephew, Jordan Boydstun.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Julia Barna Murray; sons, Michael Murray II (Kristi) and Matthew Aaron Murray (Jessica); sister, Ginger Murray Boydstun; brother, John Anthony Murray; grandchildren, Katie Lynn Murray, Kristin Claire Murray, Drake Alexander Murray, and Brynlee Elizabeth Murray; and nieces, Kim Mynes (Brad) and Angela Murray.

Honoring Mike as pallbearers will be his beloved first cousins: Darrell Oglesby, Terry James, Paul James, King Batey, Jack Green, and Greg Green. Honorary pallbearers will be dear friends: Ted Mims, James Procell, B-Buck Greer, Donny Greer, Nolan Patrick, and cousin, Harry Murray.

Mike was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill and later the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church, where he was active and served on several committees. 

His career path led him to the energy sector, where he spent over 40 years working as a Fluids Consultant, both offshore and locally in the Haynesville Shale Play.

Mike was a proponent of civic and community involvement. His volunteer activities included being a Board Member of the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Battle of Pleasant Hill Reenactment Committee, Louisiana Angus Association, First Baptist Church Building and Grounds Committee, and later, a member of the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church Board of Trustees.

In addition to his love for his family, Mike had a passion for raising Black Angus cattle. If you spent any time in Pleasant Hill over the past fifty years, you likely crossed paths with Mike as he tended to his herd. Mike loved to travel with Julia and was able to do so for many years after retirement. Spending quality time with his grandchildren brought him his greatest joy. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. He enjoyed the company of family and friends and loved engaging in deep conversation that always evoked laughter, good food and great country music.

During Mike’s end-of-life journey, he and Julia received the Lord’s continued support through many earthly angels that He placed in their path. The family would like to offer our love and overwhelming gratitude to the following individuals, as the process would have been impossible without them. They will forever be in our hearts.

• Pleasant Hill Methodist Church Family, Caregivers: Janice “Annie” Lewis, Donna Elliot Mitchell, Casey Gaddis, Mary Rivers, Hospice of Natchitoches, Elara Caring Skilled Home Health: Elasha Sepulvado, Regina Sepulvado.
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Special thanks to our beloved friend and neighbor, Nell Greer. Nell’s devotion and unwavering support and friendship to Mike and Julia during this time have been so comforting during this journey. She was by our side every step of the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center, Shriners Hospital, or Samaritan’s Purse